Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a memorable outing in the three-match series against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club. Returning to his favourite hunting ground, he made useful contributions across all the games and finished as the highest run-getter, winning the Player of the Series award.

In three matches, the 15-year-old amassed 151 runs at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 196.10, laced with 15 boundaries and 9 sixes. His two half-centuries came in the series opener and the last game of the bilateral assignment.

He posted a 19-ball 50, including 4 boundaries and 4 sixes, with India winning by 7 wickets to take a 1-0 lead. The teenager then contributed 20 runs in 9 balls, packed with 3 fours and 1 six. Vaibhav saved his best for the last game, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes in his contribution of 81 in 49 deliveries. He was adjudged the Player of the Match as India recorded a 35-run win to complete a 3-0 clean sweep over Zimbabwe.

“It feels good. The preparation was good. I like playing here as I competed in the U19 World Cup at the same venue. Everyone, including the coach and the captain, backed me. I played my natural game and gave good starts to the team. What I practice in the net sessions, I try to implement in the matches. It is a dream come true. It is my first Man of the Match and Man of the Series in international cricket,” Vaibhav Sooryavanshi said.

He was under pressure, having failed in three matches in England, but the youngster came good in the second series of his career. The southpaw was dropped for the fifth and final game against England, but with Sanju Samson not available for the Zimbabwe tour, he got another three games, and the Bihar-based cricketer made full use of the opportunities.

He will next be seen in action in the Asian Games 2026.